There is a larger number of a hydrophilic molecules on the outside of a cell tha

Question

There is a larger number of a hydrophilic molecules on the outside of a cell than on the inside. ldentify the conditions that could equalize the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of this molecule. Select all that apply placing carrier proteins in the membrane placing intracellularly directed and extracellularly directed pumps in the membrane not inserting any transport proteins in the membrane placing only intracellularly-directed pumps in the membrane Which of the conditions would be the most metabolically efficient way for a cell to equalize the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of this molecule? O O O O placing carrier proteins in the membrane placing only intracellularly-directed pumps in the membrane placing intracellularly directed and extracellularly directed pumps in the membrane not inserting any transport proteins in the membrane

Explanation / Answer

Question 1: Two conditions are applicable to equalize the intracellular and extracellular molecule concentrations

i) Placing carrier proteins in the membrane

Explanation: Cell membrane is phospholipid bilayer which acts a barrier for the free flow large molecules, ions and most hydrophilic molecules. Placing carrier proteins will act as molecular doorways, allowing hydrophilic molecules to reach equal concentration on both sides.

ii) Placing intracellulary directed and extracellularly directed pumps in the membrane

Explanation: Placing equal numbers of intracellularly directed and extracellularly directed pumps would also equalize the concentrations of a molecule over time

Question 2: One condition would be the most metabolically efficient way to equalize the intracellular and extracellular molecule concentrations

that is by placing carrier proteins in the membrane

Explanation: Placing intracellular and extracellular pumps is not metabolically efficient as it is energetically expensive, but carrier proteins through their passive transport (no need of energy) are metabolically efficient to equalize the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of the molecule.

Finally, not inserting the transport proteins in the membrane would not equalize the concentrations of this hydrophilic molecule, as it cannot pass freely through lipid bilayer

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